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PHP fileperms() Function: Usage and Examples

Returns file mode and permissions metadata.

1 views Published Oct 17, 2026 Updated Oct 17, 2026

fileperms() Function is one of the PHP operations used in filesystem and stream workflows. Returns file mode and permissions metadata. The examples below show what it does and how to handle its result.

What Is fileperms() Function?


Returns file mode and permissions metadata.

Its syntax is:

fileperms(string $filename)

The parameters are:

  • string $filename — The source or destination filesystem path.

Return value: The declared return type is int|false. Mask the returned mode bits; fileperms() includes the file type as well as permissions.

Important: Mask the returned mode bits; fileperms() includes the file type as well as permissions.

Example 1: Basic Usage


The basic example focuses on the behavior of fileperms() Function: returns file mode and permissions metadata. Inputs are defined locally or shown as application-controlled paths.

<?php

$fileMode = fileperms(__FILE__);
if ($fileMode !== false) { echo substr(sprintf("%o", $fileMode), -4); }

The displayed value, file content or return status depends on the input and surrounding environment. Results involving local paths, identifiers or generated files are not fixed values.

Example 2: A Different Use Case


This second example illustrates another input or execution condition for fileperms() Function. Notice the different checks, arguments, or output handling.

<?php

$mode = fileperms(__DIR__);
if ($mode !== false) { printf("%04o", $mode & 07777); }

This variation matters because mask the returned mode bits; fileperms() includes the file type as well as permissions.

Practical Example: Using the Operation in an Application


The following example demonstrates how fileperms() Function fits into a more complete file or archive workflow, including inputs and appropriate checks.

<?php

$permissions = fileperms(__FILE__);
if ($permissions !== false) { $octal = sprintf("%04o", $permissions & 07777); echo "Mode {$octal}"; }

The operation shown is an illustrative script. Adapt the filenames, required permissions, and error handling to your own controlled application environment before running it.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases


  • Function behavior: Returns file mode and permissions metadata.
  • Limitation: Mask the returned mode bits; fileperms() includes the file type as well as permissions.

Comparison With Related Functions


Function or MethodDifference
fileperms() FunctionReturns file mode and permissions metadata.
chmod()Attempts to change permission bits; fileperms() only reads filesystem metadata.

Use fileperms() Function for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, chmod(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes


MistakeCorrect Approach
Assuming filesystem metadata is always available and current.Mask the returned mode bits; fileperms() includes the file type as well as permissions. Check failure returns and refresh stat information when files may have changed.
Treating chmod() as an interchangeable replacement for fileperms() Function.Attempts to change permission bits; fileperms() only reads filesystem metadata.

Key Takeaways


  • Returns file mode and permissions metadata.
  • Mask the returned mode bits; fileperms() includes the file type as well as permissions.
  • Related operation: chmod() — Attempts to change permission bits; fileperms() only reads filesystem metadata.

fileperms() Function is useful when its specific behavior matches your application requirement. Keep paths controlled, check failures, and handle environment-dependent operations deliberately.

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